Case goes to jurors in Kennebunk prostitution trial

ALFRED, Maine (NEWS CENTER) - The Mark Strong prostitution trial is now in the hands of the jurors. Strong is the first main defendant to go on trial in the Kennebunk Zumba prostitution case. Testimony wrapped up Tuesday and the attorneys presented their closing arguments.

Since those closing arguments ended so late in the day jurors will begin their deliberations Wednesday morning. The state claims Mark Strong managed a prostitution business allegedly run by Alexis Wright. He is charged with 12 counts of promotion of prostitution and one count of conspiracy.

Strong's attorney Dan Lilley told jurors Strong was simply infatuated with Alexis Wright and was trying to help her out. He says there's no proof Strong made money and what kind of business partner makes no money.

Prosecutor Justina McGettigan said Strong's name was on the lease of the building where the prostitution was occurring and it's clear from the evidence that he knew prostitution was happening there. She said that's enough for a conviction, but the state has so much more including videos, photos, emails, text messages and phone records that show he was managing the operation. She said Wright was sending Strong her spreadsheets with detailed customer information and pricing.

Lilley also took a different approach telling jurors if they believe the prosecutor proved her case beyond a reasonable doubt then Strong should be convicted of only one count of promotion and one count of conspiracy. He said that one count covers the crime and the other charges were just piling on. The judge told jurors she has allowed all 13 charges to move forward and they must decide each one separately.